Temperature control means for washing machines and the like



June 5, 1945. H. HARVEY n .2,377,551

TEMPERATURE CONTROL MEANS FOR WASHING MACHINES AND THE LIKE Filed Aug. .14, 1940 s sheets-sheet 1 22\ d? 95, @@@QSQ fyi/7.? l

C@ @D Q@ 9 f@ HaHa/larg H. HARVEY June 5., 1945.

TEMPERATURE CONTROL MEANS FOR WASHING MACHINES AND THE LIKE Filed Aug. 14. 1940" 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 n, w V .6

June 5, 1945.

l-l.l HARVEY 2,377,551

TEMPERATURE CONTROL MEANS FOR WASHING MACHINES AND THE LIKE Filed Aug. 14, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 latented .lune 5, 19.45

. TEMPERATURE ooN'raor. MEANS Foa WASHING Macnmas AND Irmi une Herbert Harvey, Los Angeles, Calif., asslgnor to Leo M. Harvey, La Canada, Calif.

Application August 14, 1940, Serial No. 352,583 3.01am. (Cl. 236-46) This invention relates to controls and relates more particularly to temperature controls for washing machines and the like. A general ob- `lect of this invention is to provide an eectlve, dependable, temperature control for commercial washing machines and other devices carrying on stage or cyclic operations.

In clothes washing machines, intended for use in commercial laundries and adapted to carry on cyclic washing operations, it is important to maintain given temperatures vin the washing compartments or shells during the various operations. I will herein make reference tothe invention employed in connection with a clothes washing machine of the class for performing cyclic washing operations to govern the temperature in the washing chamber or shell, it

being understood that the invention is not to be construed as limited or restricted to this particular use application.

Another object of this invention is to provide a temperature controlling mechanism operable by a time .control or timing device to govern the operation of a valve for discharging steam or other heating medium, or to govern other heating meanslfor the washing compartment of a clothes washing machine carrying on cyclic washing operations, to provide and maintain given temperatures in the compartment at given or selected phases of the washing operations.

Another object of this invention is to `provide a control means of the character referred to that is operable to produce and maintain different temperatures in the washing compartment during the different stages or cycles of the washing operationand for stages or operation cycles o1.l varying duration;

Another object of this invention is to provide a temperature-control means that may be controlled or operated by a timing mechanism of the washing machine to produce and maintain any selected temperature for any given duration, and at any time, as determined by the set tings and actions of the timing mechanism.v

Another object of this invention is to provide a temperature control of the characterv referred to'that is entirely automatic and that requires no manual adjustment, regulation or attention. Another object of this invention is to provide a temperature control of the character referred to that includes a thermostatic means responsive to the temperatures in the washing compartment or shell to govern a valve control or the like, which thermostatic means is automatically set for given temperatures and for operation at given time intervals by a novel means which is responsive to a timer for timing the various operations of the washing machine.

Another object of this invention is to provide a timing mechanism that is adapted to remote control and operation as by electrical circuits, and that is adapted to be arranged at any point where its thermostat means is atected by the temperatures in the washing compartment or shell.

A further object of this invention is4 to provide a temperature control for a washing machine that is safe and dependable andthat cannot cause the discharge of the heating medium or steam at the wrong time.

The various objects and features of my invention will be fully understood from the following detailed description of typical preferred forms and applications of the invention, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. l is a schematic view of a portion of a washing machine illustrating the manner in which the control of the present invention is associated therewith. Fig. 2 is an enlargedvertical detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line 2--2 on Fig. l'illustrating the principal parts of the control. Fig. 3 is a vertical-detailed sectional view taken as indicated by ylinet3-2-'i on Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is an enlarged vfragrx'reritary horizontal detailed sectional view taken' as in*- dicated'by line 4-4 on Fig. 3. Fig. 5` is an enlarged view of the steam valve and its operat` In the drawings I have shown the improved 'control of the invention associated with awashing machine having a stationary shell Il) and a rotatable or oscillatable cylinder Il in the shell. The shell I0 has an inlet I2 through which the water, washing mixtures, etc., are introduced,y

and has a dump valve I3 by which itmay be emptied. A pipe i4 earryingsteam `or other heating medium such as hot water `discharges y into the lower part of the shell lill: The cylinder H Vis perforated'as is customaryiri machines of this class and serves to contain the clothes to be washed. The heating medium or steam supplied, by the pipe I4 heats the water and washing* mixtures contained in the washing compartment or shell I3.

A valve I5 is connected in the pipe i4 to control the delivery of the heating medium or steam to the shell I0. The valve i5 is provided with the usual closure |3 for controlling the now through a port l1 in the partition of the valve.

A stem I3 projects upwardly or outwardly from the valve closure I3. The washing machine is equipped with a timing mechanism |3 for initiating and stopping the various stage washing operations through the medium of suitable electrical circuits. The timer I3 includes a drum 20 rotated by a synchronous motor (not shown), or the like, to turn at a given speed. The drum 23 is formed of cardboard, paper, or the like, so that slots, notches, or grooves may be formed in its periphery for the control and operation of various governing elements, as will -be later described. The timer I3 is described and claimed in a copending application, Serial No. 352,584, nled August 14, 1940, Patent No. 2,306,056, December 22, 1942, and the drum forms the subject oi' a co-pending application, Serial No. 382,834, nled March 11. 1941, Patent No. 2,333,248. November 2, 1943.

The control of the present invention may be said to comprise, generally. an electrical operating means 2| for the valve I3, a housing or case 22, regulable thermostat means 23 carried by the case 22 to be responsive to temperatures in the shell I0 and operable to control the valve operating means 2|, power driven means 24 in the ease 22 for regulating or setting the thermostat means 23, means operable by the timer I3 for controlling the means 24, and a safety means 23 for rendering the valve operating means 2| inoperative at the end of each cycle of operation.

The means 2| for operating the valve l5 is under the control of the thermostat means 23 and the safety means 23. The means 2| includes a solenoid 21 associated with the valve |5. As illus trated in the drawings, the solenoid 21 may be mounted on the body of the valve l5 to have its amature or movable element 23 connected with the stem I3 of the valve closure I3. With the solenoid 21 deenergized the closure I3 closes the port l1 to prevent the flow of steam orgheating medium to the shell I0. Theoperating circuit for the solenoid 21 may comprise a line or lead 23 extending directly to a power line 33 and a lead 3| in which the switches of the means 23 and 23 are interposed. Fig. 6 of the drawings best illustrates the operating circuit for the means 2|.

The lead 3| extends from the solenoid 21 into the case 22 and then passes from the case to the second power line 32. l

The housing or case 22 carries the thermostat means 23, the regulating or operating means 24, the safety means 23 and other elements. The case 22 may be suitably positioned on the washing machine, for example, it maybe arranged Nuts 33 are threaded on the projecting parts of the studs and clamp against the front section 33 to hold `the case assembled. An observation window 33 provided with a transparent pane of glass, or the like, is provided in the forward wall of the front section 33. The rear side of the section 34 has a pocket 40 closed by a removable cover plate 4|.

The regulable thermostat means 23 is operated or regulated by the means 24 under the control of the means 25 and is responsive to the temperature in the washing shell I0. The means 23 is operated by the means 24 to be responsive to any given temperature and serves to control the valve operating means 2| to maintainsaid temperature in the shell I0. The thermostat means 23 may be varied considerably in type and detail without departing from the invention. In Figs. l to 6, inclusive, of the drawings I have shown a thermostat means 23 of the general class described in `Patent No. 1,975,856, which embodies a switch 42. 'I'he means 23 as illustrated. includes a tube or hollow stem 43 extending into the shell l0, or a tting on the shelll and provided at its outer end with a tip 44 which houses a bimetallic means responsive to the temperature in the shell. The conventional bimetallic means illustrated comprisesA a spiral bimetal member 3 having one end fixed to a turnable shaft 43. An adjusting sleeve 53 carries a stop 3 engageable by the other end of the member 3 whereby the tendency of the member to change in shape when subjected to temperature changes may cause turning of the shaft 43: The stem 43 is suitably supported in an opening 45 in the back wall of the case section 34 and a calibrated dial 43 is fixed on its inner end within the case-22. I'he case 42e of the switch 42 is -secured to the dial 43 by spaced pins or studs 41 and is spaced forwardly from the dial. The shaft 43 extends forwardly from the tube 43 and projects into the case 42 of the switch 42 to control the switch. The switch 42 of the thermostat means 23 is prefer` ably a mercury tube switch and is connected with the thermostat shaft 43 to be operated thereby. The shaft 43 is turnable by the temperature responsive bimetallic means of the thermostat to open and close the switch 42. The switch 42 is interposed in the lead 3| of the valve operating means 2|, and assuming that the circuit for the means 2| is otherwise complete, the switch 42 is operable to control the valve I5 through the medium of the solenoid 21.

The thermostat means 23 further includes a regulating or setting mechanism comprising an arm 43 movable across the dial 43.v The arm 43 is notched at its outer end and has a pointer 53 in its notch 5| which cooperates with the calibrations 52 on the dial 43. The regulating arm 43 is fixed to the bushing or sleeve 53 which surrounds the thermostat shaft 43 and extends into the tube 43. The sleeve 53 is operatively connected with the regulating means of the thermostat. Turning of the arm 43 or movement of the arm across the dial 43 sets or regulates the temperature responsive means of the thermostat so that the shaft 43 turns to cause opening and closing of the switch 42 at any given temperature, as indicated bythe ilnger 50 at the dial 43. The thermostat means 23 including its switch -42-andl its regulating means is well known to those skilled in. the art and its details do not form parts of the present invention except as they may be used in combination with the elements of the invention.

54 may be supported on the rear case section 34 by legs 55 secured to lugs 56 on the case section. The motor 54 is preferably, though not necessarily, a synchronous motor. In 'the simple case illustrated the motor 54 is shown connected'with the power lines 30 and 32, it being understood that where a synchronous motor is employedthe required energizing and exciting leads are installed. A capacitator 51 for the motor circuit is suitably mounted in the case 22. The motor shaft 54n passes rearwardly through an opening in the wall of the case section 34 to project into the pocket 40. A pinion 58 is fixed to the motor shaft 54B. A horizontal shaft 59 is rotatably supported in an opening 60 in the wall of the housing section 34 and is spaced below the motor shaft 54. -A gear 6|, considerably larger in diameter than the pinion 58, is fixed to the projecting rear portion of the shaft 59 to mesh with the pinion 58.. The pinion and gear drive 58-61 provides for a substantial speed reduction between the shafts 54a and 59. A flange 62 is provided on the forward end of the shaft 59 to engage against the thickened part of the secand in practice this distance may substantially equal the width of a ratchet tooth 12.

A releasable holding pawl 11 is provided to hold the segment 88 in its adjusted or advanced positions. A pin 18 projects from the rear wall of the case section 34 and pivotally supports the pawl 11 above the ratchet disc 18 so that it -opposes the advancing pawl 13. A laterally projecting finger 19 is provided on the forward side of the pawl 11 and has a bevelled lower edge for cooperating with the teeth 12 of the segment 68. The rear or outer end of the holding pawl 11 has a depending arm 80 and a spring 8| is secured to the` arm 80 and is anchored in the case 22to yieldingly hold the pawl 11 in its active position.

The means 25 is operable by the timer or timing mechanism I9 to initiate and terminate operation of the motor 54 and thus determine when the thermostat means 23 is adjusted i'orl operation and the temperautre to which the thermostat means is adjusted. The means 25 is also operable by the timer I9 to release the means 24 and cause restoration of the thermostat means 23. The timer actuated means 25 includes a lswitch 83 connected in a lead 82 of the motor 54,

= see Fig. 6. 'Ihis switch 83 is a spring-held switch tion 3'4 around the opening 60. An eccentric is i provided on the forward end of the shaft 59. In the construction illustrated a separately formed eccentric 63 has a stem 64 threaded in an opening in the shaft 59 to project Vfrom the forward end of the shaft. A head 65 is provided on the forward end of the eccentric 63.

The means 24 further includes a ratchet drive between the gear shaft 59 and the regulating arm 49 of the thermostat means 23. Al tubular boss 66 is provided on the rear section 34 oi' the case 22 and carries an anti-friction bearing 61, see Fig. 3. A ratchet disc or segment 68 is supported by the bearing 81 for free turning or oscillation. Rings 69 are riveted or otherwise secured to the segment 68 and t about the bearing 61 to retain the segment thereon. The segment 68 projects upwardly beyond the regulating arm 49. A clip 10 is secured to the segment 68 and has a finger 1| engaging in the notch 5I of the arm 49 to operatively connect the segment 68 with the regulating arm. Ratchet teeth 12 are provided on the upper edge of the segment 68. A

ratchet pawl 13 is supported on the above described eccentric 63 of the shaft 59. The ratchet pawl 13 extends horizontally above the segment 68 and has a laterally projecting finger 14. The lower edge of the finger 14 is bevelled to coopcrate with the teeth 12 of the segment 68. The pawl 13 is spring-held or spring-urged so vthat its finger 14 properly cooperates with the ratchet that is normally `urged closed by its spring means and the switch is bodily carried by a block or arm 84. The arm 84 is in turn supported by a rod or shaft 85 to pivot or turn. The shaft 85 extends parallel with the shaft of the timer drum 20 and the switch 83 is governed by the drum 29. A leaf spring finger 36 is attached to the arm 84 and carries a roller 81 which cooperates with or rides on the rotating drum 22. The spring finger 86 is engageable with the operating stem 68 of the switch 83. The parts are related so that the cooperation of therroller 81 with the normal periphery of the drum 20 holds the spring finger 86 ilexed where it cooperates with the switch stem 88 to hold the switch 83 open.

When the roller `81 enters va slot or groove 89 in the drum 20 the spring finger 86 flexes free of the switch stem 88 or flexes to a position to allow the switch 83 to close. When the roller 81 moves out of the groove 89, due to rotation of the drum 20, the spring finger 86 is flexed to act on the stem 88 and open the switch 813. Accordingly, the switch 83 is closed during the period the roller 81 is in the slot or groove 89 and the location and length of the groove determine when the thermostat means 23 is operated and vthe temperature to which it is adjusted. The

that is readily provided with the slots or grooves teeth 12. A depending arm15 is provided on the pawl 13 and a spring 16 has one endanchored in the case 22 and its other end secured to the arm 15 to urge the pawl 13 into cooperation with the ratchet segment 68. It will be seen that each rotation of the eccentric 63 produces a reciprocatory motion of the ratchet pawl 13 and the bevelled edge of the pawl finger 14 cooperating with the teeth 12 advances the segment 68 with each reciprocation of the pawl. The segment 88 is moved or advanced a given distance with each rotation of the eccentric 63 89 and the drum is replaceable so that the machine may be made to provide heating periods at any selected times and of any selected temperatures for different cyclic Washing operations, by

merely replacing the drum 28 with other drums having grooves 89 located and proportioned to produce the desired results.

A spring 90 acts on the lower portion of the switch arm 84 to maintain the roller 81 in correct cooperation with the drum 20. This, spring 99 may be arranged under compression between the arm 84 and s, fixed part at the timer- I9. Manual means is preferably provided for operating the` switch 83. This manual means may comprise a. push button on thearm 04 accessible at the exterior of the timer case. When the operator pushes the button 0| the arm 04 is pivoted against the action oi the spring 00 to move the switch stem 08 away from the roller spring ringer 05 so that the switch '83 may close. Thus the operator may cause operation of the motor 8l and resultant regulation of the thermostat means 23 at any time and i'or any period.v The dial 45 and the ilnger 50 may be seen through the window 39 so that the regulation of the thermostat means 23 by the automatic action of the means 25 or by manual depression of the button 9| may be checked at any time.

The means 25 further includes a. mechanism for restoring or resetting the thermostat means 23 at the end of each heating operation. A tension spring 32 has one end secured to the segment 80 and its other end anchored in the case 22. The spring 82 is under tension and tends to move the segment 08 back to its original position and thus tends to restorethe thermostat means 23 to its low initial setting. The ratchet pawl 11 of course operates to prevent the return cf the segment 68 when the means 24 is active.

Electromagnetic means is provided for releasing both ratchet pawls 13 and 11 at the end oi' the heating operations to allow the return of the thermostat means 23 by the spring v92. A slide block or releasing memrber 93 is arranged in the case 22 at the rear of the pawls 13 and 11. A pin 94 on the rear section 34 of the case 22 extends through a vertical slot .95 in the member 03 and has an enlargement or head atthe forward side of the member. The pin 94 guides the member 33 for vertical shifting. A laterally projecting arm 490 is provided on the lower end of the member 93 and arranged so that its upper edge may engage` against lingers 9i and 98 projecting rearwardly from the pawls 13 and 11 respectively. An electromagnetic coil or solenoid 99 is provided to operate the member 83. The solenoid 09 is supported in the upper portion of the case 22 and4 a stem |00 on its armature or movable member has a yoke receiving the upper portion of the member 03. A pin I0| connects theyoke part of the stem |00 with the member l93. When the solenoid 90 is deenergized the member 03 is in its lower position where its finger 08 is clear of the pawl ilngers 01 and 08. When the solenoid 99 is energized the member 93 is shifted upwardly and its ilnger 96 acts on the pawl fingers 01 and 90 tov pivot the pawls 13 and 11 upwardly. This frees the pawl fingers 14 and 10 from the teeth 12 of the segment 60 and the spring 02 swings the segment 68 back to its initial position to restore or reset the thermostat means 23. A stop |02 is formed on..the interior of the case 22 and is engageable by the segment 00 to limit the return movement of the segment. The stop |02 may be located to prevent the return of the thermostat means 23 to its zero position. Y

The pawl releasing solenoid 00 of the means 25 is under the control of the timing mechanism |0. One lead |03 of the solenoid 00 extends tothe power line 30 while the otheriead |04 of the solenoid extends to the timing mechanism 30 and then passes to the other power line `32. A switch 83* is interposed in the solenoid lead |04 and is under the control of the drum 20 of the timing mechanism i0. The switch 03* may be identical with the switch 83 and is controlled and operated in the same manner as the-switch 03. The switch 03 is carried by an arm 04* pivfinger 00* carrying a roller 01* which rides on the drum 20. The roller 01IL engaging the normal periphery of the drum holds the switch 03l open. One or more slots or grooves |00 are cut in the drum 20 in the pathof the roller 01.-

When the roller 01* enters a groove |00 the switch 03* closes to energize the solenoid 00. The

1 slots or grooves |05-may be located to cause enthe block 04* and the block 34` is spring-urged 00 need only be instantaneous or for short durations and the slots or grooves |05 may be quite short.

The means 28 is a safety means operating to positively prevent opening of the valve Il after the thermostat means 23 has been restored to its normal position atthe end oi 'the heating cycles. The means 25 controls the energizing circuit 25-3i of the valve operating means 2| and includes a switch |05 interposed in this circuit. In practice the switch |05 is connected in series with the switch 42 of the means 23, The switch |00 may bespring held and is normally urged closed. A suitably insulated mounting block |01 is secured in the case 22 to support the switch |00 in a position adjacent the dial 40. A stem |00 is provided on the switch |00 and projects from the mounting block |01. A leaf spring arm |00 is provided on the block |01 and is arranged to engage and operate the switch stem |00. A bracket or yoke ||0 ls secured to the outer end of the spring arm |00 and carries a rotatable roller The roller is arranged to engage or rest on the periphery oi the thermostat dial 40 when the arm |00 is clear of the switch stem |00. associated with the thermostat shaft 40 or the ratchet segment 0.0 operates the switch |00. In practice the regulating arm 40 oi.' the thermostat means 23 may serve as the operating element tor the switch |05. When the thermostat means 23 is in its. normal position with the segment 00 engaged on the stop |02 the regulating arm 40 engages the roller to hold the switch |00 open. When the segment 00 is moved by the power driven regulating means 24 the arm 40 moves out oi' engagement with the roller and the spring arm |00 nexes to permit closing of the switch |05. When the arm 40 moves out of engagement with the roller I|| the roller engages against the dial 4B. It will be seen that oted on. shaft 05 and is operatedlby a leai spring 75 the switch |00 is always open .when the thermostat means 23 is in its normal condition with the segment 03 engaging on the stop |02 and is closed Apart asvmoi I adjusted and under the control of the means 24 and 28.

A terminal block 2 of insuiating material may be secured in the case 22 and the various electrical leads 3|, 82, |03, |04, etc., entering the case 22 through a conduit ||4 may be eennected with posts ||3 of the block. ||2 is of cotu'se suitably insulated or formed oi insulating material.

It is believed that the operation of the timed temperature control of the invention will be understood from the foregoing detailed description. In the cyclic operation of the washing-machine hot and cold water and the various aqueous washing solutions, bleaching solutions, etc. are discharged into the shell I through the inlet I2 at successive periods and are successively discharged through the dump valve I3. The materials being washed are contained in the cylinder II to be acted on by the variousl washing solutions. During certain of the washing operations it is desirable to maintain given temperatures in the shell I0. The drum 20 of the timing mechanisni I9 may be provided with slots or grooves 89 and |05 to control the means of the. invention so that it produces and maintains the desired temperatures in the shell I0 at the desired periods of the washing operation. It has been described above how the grooves or slots 89 and |05 may be provided in the drum 20 to operate the switches 83 and 83n at selected times. When the rollers 81 and 81* are engaged on the normal periphery of the drum 20 the solenoid 21 is de-energized and the valve I5 is in the closed condition.

When rotation of the drum brings a groove 89 into position to receive the roller 81 the switch 83 is closed and the circuit to the motor 54 is completed. Operation of the motor 54 is accompanied by rotation of lthe eccentric 83, the eccentric being driven at a relatively slow rate because of the speed reduction gearing 58-8I. The rotating eccentric reciprocates thepawl 13 and the pawl cooperating with the teeth 12 advances the segment 68. Movement of the 'segment 68 from its normalposition against the stop |02 releases the arm 49 from the roller II I and the switch |08 closes. The extent of advancement or movement of the segment 88 depends upon the length oi' the groove 89 and, therefore, the setting or adjustmentfof the thermostat means 23 is determined by the length of the groove. When the groove 89 passes the roller 81 the switch 83 opens and the motor 54 is de-energized. The-holding ratchet 11 serves to hold the segment 68 and the thermostat means 23 in the adjusted or advanced condition. The operation thus far described adjusts or conditions the thermostat means 23 to respond to a temperature in the shell I0 determined by the length of the groove 89. v

In the event that the temperature in the shell I0 is below that determined by the automatic setting of the means 23 as above described, the thermostat means closes the switch 42 to complete the circuit to the solenoid 21 and the valve |5 is opened. Opening of the valve I5 results in the discharge of ste: n or other heating medium into the shell it to increase the temperature in the shell. When the correct temperature has been reached in the shell I0 the thermostat means 23 reopens the switch 42 to de-energize the solenoid 21 vand the valve I5 closes. In some cases the valve I5 may be opened and closed as Just described several times during a given washing operation or cycle.

The heat providing and maintaining cycle con- The block tlnues until a slot or groove |05 of the drum 20 reaches the roller 81'. When this occurs the roll er 81l-drops into the groove |05 and the switch 83* closes to energize the solenoid 99. Energization ofthe solenoid 89 causes simultaneous release of the two pawls 13 and 11 and the spring opening solenoid 21 by the action of the thermostat means 23, so that the temperature condition in the shell I0 no longer affects the operation of the valve I5. The cycle of operation of the temperature control means is completed with the opening of the switch |06 and the mechanism remains idle until a slot or groove 89 moves to a position to receive the roller 81 which results in the starting of another cycle of operation.

Fig. 7 illustrates a form of the' invention embodying a remotely regulable or controllable heat responsive means. In this construction the thermostat or heat responsive means comprises an expansible diaphragm |20 of selected form, a fluid bulb |2'I to be exposed to the temperature conditions of the washing shell i0 and a capillary tube |22 extending between and connecting the diaphragm and bulb. The communicating diaphragm |20 and bulb |2| carry or contain a suitable temperature responsive vapor or iluid. The bulb |2| may be arranged to -be exposed to the fluid in the washing shell. The capillary tube |22 may be of any reasonable length and the diaphragm |20 may be positioned as desired at a point remote from the bulb |2I. Accordingly, the diaphragm |20, and the 'parts associated therewith. may be located at a convenient, accessible and visible position at the front, exposed side of the machine or elsewhere. `A stem or plunger |23 is ilxed to a side of the expansible diaphragm 20 to operate a switch |24. In the drawings the switch |24 is illustrated'diagrammatically, it being understood that I prefer to employ ,a snap switch or toggle switch. The switch |24 is connected in the circuit 29-3I in the same manner as the switch 42 and has the same function as the switch 42.

The diaphragm |20 and the switch |24 are related for relative movement and either of these elements may be moved with respect to the other, as desired. In the vcase illustrated it will be assumed that the switch |24 is stationary and that the expansible diaphragm |20 is movable with respect to the switch. Means is provided for moving or adjusting the diaphragm |20 to regulate the temperature responsive means. A -boss |25 may be iixed to the diaphragm |20 and may be provided with a polygonal stem |28 slidably received in an opening in a stationary plate |21. A screw 28 extends from the stem |28 to protrude through a boss |29 on the plate |I21. The stem |26 and the screw |28 are rigid with a side of. the diaphragm |20. An actuating nut |30 has threaded engagement with the screw |28 and bears against the boss |29. A collar |3I is ilxed to the boss |29 and has flanged engagement with the nut |30 to hold the same against endwise movement. A hand or dial |32 is xed to the nut |30 and has an indicating linger |33. The dial |32 may be calibrated or may cooperate with calibrations on the plate |21 or other stationary object. The finger 1I of the above described clip 'l0 cooperates with the iinger |20. With this arrangement turning of the ratchetsector Il by vstat means so that a higher temperature must be reached in the shell I to produce closing of theA switch |24. With movement of the diaphragm toward the switch |24 the thermostat means -operates at a lower temperature to close the switch |24. It is believed that it will be understood how the means 24 governs the temperature responsive means. The other elements of the apparatus of Fig. rl may be as above described and may have the same operation.

Having described only typical prererred forms and applications of my invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any variations or modifications that may appear to those skilled in the art or fall within the scope of the following claims.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. A temperature control for a washing machine having a washing container with aheating medium supply pipe and having an operation timer, the control comprising a valve in said pipe, means for opening the valve including an energizing circuit,v regulable thermostat means responsive to temperatures in the container and including a switch in said circuit, the thermostat means having a normal setting where the switch is open and being regulable to close the switch in response to different temperatures in the container, regulating means operable to regulate the a control for maintaining selected temperatures in the compartment at given stages of the washinggperation comprising means for opening' the valve, an operating circuit for said means, regulable means responsive to temperatures in the compartment and including a switch in said circuit. the regulable means being adapted to be regulated to'close the switch in response to selected temperatures in the compartment and including a turnable regulating membe a motor havingl an energizing circuit, a drive between vthe motor and the regulating member whereby the motor is operable to turn the member from a 'selected temperature, means forfrestoring the member to its normal position, a second switch in said operating circuit, a part turnable with said member cooperating with said second switch to hold said operating circuit open when the Vmember is in its normal position, releasable i means for holding the member in its advanced thermostat means, means governed by the timer for operating the regulating means at predetermined times and for predetermined periods to cause regulation of the thermostat means to given settings, means tending to restore the thermostat means to its normal setting, releasable means for holding the thermostat means in its regulated settings, means governed by the timer for releasing the releasablemeans at given times to terminate the periods during which the thermostat means is operable to close the switch in response to selected temperatures in the container,` a part on the thermostat means movable therewith during setting and restoration ofthe same, and a second switchin said circuit which is opened by said part to render the valve Aopening means ineffective when the thermostat means is returned to its normal setting.

2. In combination with a washing machine having a fluid containing washing compartment, a pipe for supplying a heating medium to the compartment and a valve controlling said pipe,

positions, electromagnetic means for releasing said releasable means and having a control circ uit, and a normally open switch in the control circuit closed by the timer at a given time to terminate the period during which the temperature means is responsive to said selected temperature.

3. A temperature control mechanism for regulating the temperature of a liquid in a container comprising a heating medium supply meansior supplying heating medium to the container, a

valve for controlling said supply means, means for opening said valve including an energizing circuit, a thermostat responsive to temperature 40 in said container and including a switch in said circuit, the vthermostat being biased to a normal position where the switch is open and being regulable to close the switch in response to diiierent temperatures in the container. turnable regulating means for regulating the thermostat, a timer, means governed by the timer for operating the regulating means at predetermined times and for predetermined periods to cause regulation of the thermostat to given settings, releasable means for holding the thermostat in its regulated settings, means governed by the timer for releasing the releasable means to terminate the periods duringwhich the thermostat is operable to close the switch, a second switch in said circuit and an element movable with the regulating means operableto open said second switch when the thermostat returns to its normal setting to de-energiae said circuit.

HERBERT HARVEY. 

